Master Plan

Strong urban street edge – improved open space

Figure 5.22 Street Prototype

The plan for Georgia State is as much a plan about urban design as it is about campus planning. It is critical in the context of downtown Atlanta for all buildings (university buildings included) to respond appropriately to the street. This was addressed in some detail in the description of the Humanities building above. All future campus buildings should maintain the appropriate relationship to the street. This includes addressing setbacks, sidewalk widths and site furnishings as well as the ground level façade treatment and building entries. As evident in the Helen M. Aderhold Learning Center building, the presence of glass along the sidewalk acts to enliven the street during the day and create a sense of safety at night. The University Science Park is the next major project to enter the design phase. The profile of this project and the site have already been discussed, however, it is appropriate to reinforce the important precedent that this complex will set for future campus development. These buildings must meet the programmatic requirements of a state of the art teaching and research center while addressing the street in a friendly manner and, at the same time, creating usable open space at the center of the block. The program document illustrates a concept that would accomplish these urban design goals. (See Figures 5.22 and 5.23)